Dr. Wallace Says

NUTRITION & LIVER HEALTH

What is the Liver? The liver is the largest solid organ in the body. It is dark-red and weighs about three pounds when healthy and performs a multitude of different metabolic processes, including digestion and detoxification. It is located beneath the entire right dome of the diaphragm and is level with the bottom of the sternum or breast bone. The liver’s under surface is concave and covers the stomach, duodenum, hepatic flexure of the colon, right kidney, and adrenal capsule. The liver is the body’s main factory and detoxification center. Among the liver’s many functions is the production of bile, amino acids, hormones, lipids, urea, and emergency fuel. Because it is extremely complex and enormously vital to our well-being and health, it is important that it
be well understood, nourished and protected.

LIVER ASSAILANTS
The liver is particularly affected by high fat, sodium, low-fiber diets, liquid diets, highly-refined or processed foods, excess cholesterol, alcohol, environmental and dietary toxins, tobacco, drugs, viruses, parasites and stress. Factors such as excessive use of medication, stress, worry, negative social habits, wrong food and beverage choices and viruses can result in inflammation or dysfunction of the liver that may affect every other organ and system of the body.

Common Signs of Liver Dysfunction or Imbalance
Abdominal pain or joint pain
Constipation/diarrhea
Bloating/distention
Fatigue/hypoglycemia
Poor digestion/malabsorption
Headaches/dizziness
Vision problems/hemorrhoids
Stiffness/allergies/jaundice
Inability to gain or lose weight
Irregular bowel movements
Skin problems/itching/rashes
Depression/irritability/anemia/tumors

DIETARY CONSIDERATIONS
• It is important that you avoid simple carbohydrates such as white sugar and white flour.
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, cow’s milk and missing meals.
• It is best to eat several small meals and focus on lean protein.
• Increase your fiber intake from whole grains, beans, fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Substitute green tea or diluted fruit juice for chocolate/or caffeinated sodas.
• Juices: Carrot, apple, pineapple, ginger, cucumber, spinach, parsley, celery, lemon, lime, and beet are known for energizing and building the body’s energy reserves, cleansing and detoxifying, and supporting the liver, adrenal glands, nervous system and kidneys. Juice as often as possible and buy mainly organically grown produce.

NUTRIENTS, ITEMS AND HERBS THAT
SUPPORT THE LIVER
1. Alpha lipoic acid
2. B-Complex Vitamins
3. Vitamin C with bioflavonoids
4. Selenium
5. Vitamin E
6. Same-e
7. Multiple digestive enzymes
8. Omega-3 fatty acids (borage, flax, fish oil)


Helpful Herbs
1. Ginger
2. Aloe vera
3. Chamomile
4. Bupleurum
5. Chinese bitters/Swedish
6. Burdock root
7. Dandelion root
8. Milk Thistle/Skullcap
9. Pau D’Arco
10.Ginseng
11. Gotu kola
12. Reishi mushrooms

Miscellaneous: water, exercise, ample fiber, cruciferous vegetables, green foods, and relaxation.

For more in-depth information on keeping your liver healthy, please see the list of references below and/or visit this blog often which features upcoming lectures and articles on
health, wellness and nutrition.

LIVER READING REFERENCES

The Healthy Liver & Bowel Book.....Sandra Cabot, M.D.

The Liver and Gallbladder Miracle Cleanse.....Andreas Moritz

The Liver Disorders and Hepatitis Source Book...Howard J. Worman, M.D.

Hepatis C: A Personal Guide to Good Health.....Beth and Petro Roybal, M.A.

Herbs for Hepatitis C and the Liver .....Stephan Harrod Buhner

Detox: The Process of Cleansing and Restoration......Sara Rose

Restoring Your Digestive Health....Joseph Brasco, M.D. &. Jordon Rubin

Tissue Cleansing Through Bowel Management...Bernard Jensen, D.C., Ph.D.

For more information and to schedule an
appointment with Dr. Wallace,
please call (661) 729-4533.
Services & Fees: www.drwallacesconiers.net
Email: DrWallaceSays@aol.com